Polish Radio

Polish Radio, a sole-shareholder company of the State Treasury with its headquarters in Warsaw, was established in 1925. The beginnings of its broadcasting activities date back to technological experiments, with the first program aired on April 18, 1926. The headquarters of Polish Radio were located in several places, with the Warsaw press being the first to publish radio schedules. During the interwar period, radio attracted artistic talents and facilitated international program exchanges. World War II led to the destruction of main stations, but Polish Radio managed to resume operations under government orders in Lublin in 1944. After the war, the radio came under state control as a State Enterprise, and in the following years, program development and steady infrastructure expansion took place. The 1950s found Polish Radio in a technological boom, allowing for the creation of new channels, such as Program III, which attracted younger generations of listeners. In 1974, the construction of the world's tallest mast was completed, significantly increasing broadcast coverage. Since the 1990s, Polish Radio has undergone numerous reforms, becoming a joint-stock company and focusing on online development. The 2000-2010 period was dominated by technological changes, including the introduction of online radio programs and the popularization of DAB+. In 2023, Polish Radio faced liquidation following a decision by the Ministry of Culture, but the court refused to approve the application, highlighting the uncertain future of the institution. In architectural terms, the modernist buildings of recording and concert studios, such as the Witold Lutosławski Studio, are significant. Beyond its informational role, Polish Radio had a substantial impact on culture, organizing numerous festivals and serving as a platform for Polish artists and writers. An interesting fact is that Polish Radio was the first in the world to initiate international radio program exchanges, underscoring its pioneering role in the history of radio technology.